Earthquake – Tremors Reach Kolkata After Seismic Activity Across Neighbouring Regions
Earthquake – Residents in several areas of Kolkata experienced brief ground movement following a series of earthquakes recorded in neighbouring countries, including Myanmar, Bangladesh and the Tibet region. The National Centre for Seismology confirmed that the tremors felt in the city were linked to seismic events occurring outside India’s borders.
People across different neighbourhoods said the shaking was noticeable enough to prompt concern, even though it lasted only a short time. Many initially assumed it was a passing disturbance before realising it was connected to an earthquake reported elsewhere in the region.
Residents Describe Sudden Shaking
Locals described the experience as unexpected but unsettling. Mrityunjay Das, a Kolkata resident, said he noticed objects in his home moving slightly, which made him aware that something unusual was happening.
He explained that lamps and chairs appeared to shift from their original positions, prompting him and others nearby to discuss the possibility of an earthquake. Similar accounts were shared by shopkeepers and residents in other parts of the city.
Another individual said he felt a brief jolt while at his shop, describing it as a sudden movement that caught him off guard. Shortly afterward, information began circulating that earthquakes had been recorded in nearby countries, helping residents understand the cause of the disturbance.
Strong Earthquake Recorded in Myanmar
Earlier in the evening, a significant earthquake struck Myanmar, registering a magnitude of 6.0. According to data released by the National Centre for Seismology, the quake occurred at approximately 9:04 pm and originated at a depth of around 27 kilometres beneath the surface.
The location of the earthquake was identified near latitude 20.42 degrees north and longitude 93.88 degrees east. Due to its moderate depth, seismologists noted that the event had the potential to generate aftershocks, which are common following earthquakes of this strength.
Just over fifteen minutes later, Myanmar experienced another seismic event. This second earthquake measured 5.3 on the magnitude scale and struck at about 9:21 pm. It occurred at a depth of roughly 20 kilometres, with coordinates close to the earlier quake, suggesting related tectonic movement in the region.
Earthquake Activity Also Reported in Bangladesh
Bangladesh also recorded seismic activity on Tuesday, though at a lower intensity. The National Centre for Seismology reported an earthquake of magnitude 4.1, which occurred in the early hours of the day.
The earthquake originated at a depth of approximately 150 kilometres, making it a deep-focus event. Such earthquakes are often felt over wider areas but usually cause less surface damage due to their depth. The recorded location was near latitude 22.84 degrees north and longitude 89.01 degrees east.
Officials confirmed the details through an official update, noting that while the earthquake was detectable by instruments, there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties linked to the event.
Shallow Quake Strikes Tibet Region
In addition to activity in Myanmar and Bangladesh, the Tibet region also experienced a minor earthquake earlier. The event measured 3.2 in magnitude and occurred at a shallow depth of around 10 kilometres.
Shallow earthquakes, even when lower in magnitude, are often closely monitored because they can sometimes be followed by additional tremors. However, no significant impact was reported in connection with this event.
Understanding Earthquake Energy and Frequency
Seismologists note that earthquakes occur frequently across the globe, with minor tremors happening almost constantly. Most are too weak to be felt or recorded by standard monitoring systems.
The energy released during an earthquake increases rapidly with each rise in magnitude. Even a small increase on the magnitude scale represents a significant jump in energy, explaining why stronger earthquakes can have far-reaching effects across borders and regions.
While the tremors felt in Kolkata caused concern, authorities have not reported any damage or injuries linked to the seismic activity on Tuesday. Experts continue to monitor the situation for aftershocks and advise residents to stay informed through official channels.